Bonhams

Irish School, 19th century A view of Cork Harbour looking out to sea, with a diversity of commercial sail, including two brigs and two large cutters, plying their trade on the open water, and a shepherd tending his flock on the near shore

A view of Cork Harbour looking out to sea, with a diversity of commercial sail, including two brigs and two large cutters, plying their trade on the open water, and a shepherd tending his flock on the near shore indistinctly signed 'Urvin' and dated 1828 (lower right) oil on canvas55.9 x 109.2cm (22 x 43in).

Footnotes

PROVENANCE:Collection of Frederick York St Leger (1833-1901), Heywards Hill, Limerickby descent to the current ownerPrivate collection, South Africa

Despite the slightly enigmatic distant blue shoreline (of westernmost Cornwall?) beyond the harbour entrance, this charming work more than adequately conveys the vast expanse of open yet sheltered water which has, for centuries, been a bustling centre of seaborne trade as well as a haven for shipping in adverse weather.

Presumably the artist was a local man and it is possible that 'Urvin' was a variation of Irvine.

Saleroom notices

Please note, this view should be described as a view of Cork Harbour looking in from the sea towards Queenstown.

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